Are you passionate about the arts? Want to know what goes on behind the scenes and to be part of the integral team that brings live and recorded events to life, on both stage and screen? This course offers a unique combination of lighting and sound design and operation, set design, prop making, rigging and maintenance, production and stage management skills.
Throughout the course, you will build your skills as a technician, designer and live events manager through a mix of collaborative and independent working. The course is designed to give you a real hands-on experience of producing a wide range of live performance events, including music gigs, theatre shows, fashion shows and even awards ceremonies.
It develops your creative and technical knowledge and skills, gives you real industry experience and prepares you for a successful career in this exciting, ever-changing and dynamic profession. During the course, you will learn the full range of production processes, from first design concepts through to realisation.
You will gain real industry experience in both lighting and sound design, stage and production management. Live Events students at Gateshead College are an integral part of all the performances we stage, both in-house and at a range of music and theatre venues across the region.
You will gain experience of setting up your own production company and working on many varied industry-based commissions. You’ll also be supported in taking your next steps, whether that be applying to university, gaining an apprenticeship or gaining employment in the industry.
Students get to engage with visiting lecturers, as well as go on trips and visits to venues, both regionally and nationally. Each term, you will receive a masterclass from a range of industry professionals, including designers, directors, producers and technicians. You will work collaboratively with the Music Performance, Music Tech and Performing Arts students to bring to life performances to audiences.
The course is a two-year, full-time vocational course, equivalent to 3 A-Levels. You will work on the following practical projects:
On completion of this course, you will have the skills and knowledge to embark on a career in this creative and exciting industry.
Many of our graduates have secured places at some of the nation’s leading drama schools and HE institutions, including RADA, Mountview, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, LIPA and Backstage Academy.
Four GCSE grades at 4 or above, including either English or maths, or a relevant qualification at Level 2 or appropriate experience.
Each term, you will participate in masterclasses run by industry professionals, including actors, directors, producers and designers.
You will also work on regular industry led performance commissions. Gateshead College has a long history of working with both Northern Stage and Live Theatre and a number of our students have gone on to work in a professional capacity at both these North East venues, as well as for companies nation-wide.
This course is free to those aged under 19 years old.
Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free or reduced price course fees and there are grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances.
If you already have a full level 3 qualification and are aged 19 years over, you can apply for an Advanced Learning Loan or pay the fee upfront in full and qualify for a 10% discount.
You can get more information at our enrolment events, by calling 0191 490 2246 or email us at [email protected]
Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college. We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.
To contact our dedicated Learning Support team email [email protected] or head to Live Chat
View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.